Bay Leaf:
That green headband around Ceasar's head was bay, and it has a long and glorious
culinary history in Mediterranean countries.
Bay can be bitter when fresh, so let it dry for a few days if you pluck it green from the tree.
After drying, it keeps nicely in an airtight jar. It gives up its flavor slowly, which is why you add
it to the beginning of slow-cooked soups and stews. It has a slightly musty aroma with shades of nutmeg
that can overpower a dish, so only use half a leaf for each serving. Don't forget to pull them out
before serving!

Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?

Thyme:
This aromatic herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and contains thymol, a well-known antiseptic (you might be gargling with it). It's good for the digestion and is supposed to have some aphrodisiac qualities, although that just may be be due to the well-known connection between love and good food.

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Recipe

Braised Duck Legs with Leeks and Green Olives

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 138

ingredients

4 duck legs (drumsticks and thighs, attached)

Salt

Fresh-ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, washed and coarsely chopped

1 carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped

6 thyme sprigs, leaves only

6 parsley sprigs, leaves only

1 bay leaf

1 cup green olives

1/2 cup white wine

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cups water & 1 1/2 teaspoons bouillon

1 strip of lemon zest

directions

Trim the excess fat from duck legs. Several hours ahead or the night before, season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In an ovenproof skillet just large enough to hold the duck legs comfortably, heat the olive oil. Add the leeks and carrot. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir in additional salt, thyme, parsley sprigs, bay leaf, and olives. Cook for 3 more minutes. Place the duck legs in the skillet, skin side down. Add to the skillet white wine and chicken broth with lemon zest.

The liquid should be about 1 inch deep, add more liquid if needed. Raise the heat, bring to a simmer, and immediately put the skillet in the oven. After 30 minutes, take the pan from the oven and turn the legs skin side up. If necessary, pour off and reserve some of the liquid so that all the duck skin is exposed. Turn the oven down to 325 degrees and continue cooking for 1 hours more. The duck is done when the skin is browned and the tip of a knife slips easily in and out of the meat.

Set the duck legs aside and pour the braising juices and vegetables into a small bowl. Allow the liquid to settle, then skim off and discard the fat. The duck legs will render a surprising amount of fat. Taste for salt and correct the seasoning if needed. If it's too thin, reduce the braising liquid to concentrate it. Pour the liquid and vegetables back into the skillet with the duck legs on top. Just before serving, return to a simmer and reheat for a few minutes.

Variations:

Pitted olives can be substituted, but use fewer, about 1/2 cup, and don't add them to the braise until the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Substitute dry sherry for half the wine.

Substitute dried fruit such as prunes or figs for the olives. Use red wine instead of white and add a piece of bacon or pancetta to the braise. Omit the lemon zest.

Substitute chicken legs for the duck legs. Reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes.